Philippines South China Sea policy

The accusation follows the Chinese military's claim that a Philippine vessel "illegally entered" the area around Scarborough Shoal, which both nations claim.

China's campaign of escalation against the Philippine-held Second Thomas Shoal will only strengthen Manila's ties with supportive outside powers.

Washington has once again affirmed that it has a treaty obligation to defend the Philippines against any armed attack in the contested waterway.

While minor, the two collisions demonstrate the dangers inherent in Beijing’s campaign of escalation in the South China Sea.

The criticisms followed another close call in contested waters, this time in the vicinity of Philippine-occupied Thitu Island.

The stand-off is just the latest to take place at Second Thomas Shoal, a Philippine-occupied feature in the South China Sea.

Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos' comments come two days after the Philippine Coast Guard removed a barrier that Chinese ships had installed at the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

The Philippine Coast Guard described China's installation of the barrier at Scarborough Shoal as "a clear violation of international law.”

The "floating barrier" is intended to prevent Filipino fishermen from accessing Scarborough Shoal, a China-occupied feature in the South China Sea.

As with U.S.-Philippine ties, relations between Canberra and Manila have advanced rapidly since President Rodrigo Duterte left office.

During a meeting with ASEAN counterparts, Li Qiang implied that China and rival claimants could address outstanding disputes without the involvement of outside powers.

The move follows an incident last month in which a Chinese vessel forcibly prevented the resupply of Filipino forces on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.